Find Out Ways to Convert Orphaned OST to PST Format

by Feriha Joshi Microsoft OST to PST Tool

Do you need a solution to convert orphaned OST to PST format? Have you ever thought about any method to perform this manually? You must know that to read the OST in Outlook, you have to convert it into PST format. We will come to the method part that how to attain this task. However, before discussing the OST to PST Conversion procedure let us go through a brief overview of the need to convert orphaned OST files to PST format.

Overview

Outlook is a very famous platform and the help various organizations to retain the business continuity. It is used in small as well as big enterprises. Two files that it uses to store the data is OST and PST. PST is the default file format for the storage of database in Outlook whereas OST is created when Outlook is synchronized with Exchange Server. Sometimes due to professional reasons, users wish to open OST files to Outlook directly. However, it is not possible to access orphaned Outlook OST file in MS Outlook. Users have to convert it into PST format. Once the conversion is done, they can open and read the resultant file in Outlook. Now, you must be thinking that how to execute this process of migration? See the below section where we have mentioned manual as well as an automated solution for the same.

4 Strategies to Import OST into Outlook

We know that it is not possible to access an orphan OST file in Outlook therefore, it is necessary convert it in PST format. As soon as the file gets migrated, you can access it in Microsoft Outlook. You can accomplish this task with the help of these three manual methods:

Method 1: Use Export Feature

There is an export feature available in MS Outlook. Therefore, it can be used for the migration:

To begin the process, start Microsoft Outlook
Now, click on “File”, and then pick the option of “Export to a file”. Once it is done, hit on “Next” button
Then, you need to select the option of “Personal File Folder (.pst)”, which is followed by click on “Next”
In this step, select the folder you need to move and place a check on “Include sub-folders” option
In the final step, browse to the location to save the transferred data and press on Finish button.

Limitation: Synchronization with Exchange is required to perform this task.

Method 2: Use Archive Feature

Now, another feature in Outlook that helps in exporting of OST files to PST is Archive feature. To perform this method does the following:

First, begin your profile of MS Outlook
Now, after this, go to the option of File>>Archive
You can see a new window on screen, choose the file or folder and proceed to archiving
Next, you need to browse to desired location where you want to save the archived PST files
Finally, click on OK button available on the screen and archiving procedure will begin.

Limitation: It is not feasible to finish the entire OST data by using this feature. It will not migrate the contacts.

Method 3: Move Outlook Files to New PST

First, it is important to launch MS Outlook in your machine
After this, generate a fresh Outlook Data File (.pst)
Finally, you need to drag mailbox folder, which you wish to migrate

Limitation: Dragging all the items is not possible with this. For example, you cannot drag Sent Items, Inbox, Calendars, etc. in MS Outlook.

Method 4: Third Party Tool

From all the above-mentioned manual tricks, it has now become clear that every method has certain limitations of its own. Therefore, to complete the task in an efficient manner it is suggested to use a third party software. However, we cannot ignore the fact that there are so many utilities, which does not ensure the safety of our files. This is here; OST to PST Converter plays a major role. It is the best utility that helps in moving all the OST files into PST format. One of the best things about this tool is that it does not have any limitations. Moreover, the software is capable to shift the files in bulk and users can even convert orphaned OST files to PST, which are damaged. Apart from all these features, it keeps the files safe and secure and any one can access it without any trouble.

The Bottom Line

Microsoft Outlook is used in various platforms to sustain the business productivity. Its ability to work with the Exchange makes it more flexible and useful. However, users who want to open orphaned OST file have to struggle for it as there is no direct way. Therefore, we have discussed 3 manual solutions for the same. As there are some drawbacks associated with manual tricks, users can opt for a third party utility.